Contrast Chart of Faculty Relations & Faculty Ombuds

    Services Offered by Faculty Ombuds and Faculty Relations Director

 

Faculty Ombuds Director of Faculty Relations
Assists in managing any conflict between a faculty member and any others in the university community, including faculty colleagues, administrators, students, staff, and post-doctoral appointees. Assists in managing any conflict between a faculty member and administrators,  faculty colleagues, post-doctoral appointees, and graduate students on appointment.
Never conducts formal investigations of faculty. Assists all parties in recognizing and evaluating the range of options to manage and resolve conflicts.

  • Does not conduct investigations at all nor recommend anything to administrators about individual cases, though with permission can share information with parties involved.
  • Conversations with all parties can occur only on a voluntary basis (i.e., if people are willing to talk about the issues).
  • Does not reveal confidential information to University Counsel and consults with Counsel using only hypothetical examples.
 At request of academic administrators, conducts formal investigations of allegations of inappropriate, disruptive, or unacceptable conduct or behaviors on the part of faculty.

  • Reports findings and makes recommendations to administrators with authority to take action.
  • Conversations involving respondents may occur involuntarily on the part of respondents.
  • Consults with University Counsel about details of cases under investigation.
Always confidential except in situations involving “imminent risk of serious physical harm.” Confidential to the extent possible – until an investigation appears to be necessary (similar to Office of Discrimination and Harassment).
Provides the following services:

  • coaching on communication and conflict management skills;
  • offering information on university policies and procedures;
  • helping clarify goals as well as brainstorming and evaluating options for conflict resolution;
  • facilitating mediated conversations or conducting shuttle diplomacy;
  • making appropriate referrals.
 Provides coaching and advice to faculty members and academic administrators.(See Faculty Relations brochure for specifics).
Guided by the International Ombudsman Association Standards of Practice, which include confidentiality, impartiality, informality, and independence. Guided by the Memorandum of Understanding with the Provost.
Keeps no written records of those who initiate a request for assistance or those about whom complaints are made; keeps only general information on issues raised and number of people assisted. Keeps records with names in a file and/or database, including names of those requesting assistance and those about whom complaints are made.
Is not required to report allegations involving criminal conduct, harassment, discrimination, etc. Reports only situations involving “imminent risk of serious harm.” Is required to report allegations involving criminal conduct, harassment, discrimination, etc.
Resists giving testimony in any situation. Provides testimony if requested by University Counsel, administration, or if subpoenaed.
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